Ben Molander 1854-1937

MOLANDER, LARSON, KELSO, ANDERSON, FREDRICKSON

Posted By: Geo Clinton (email)
Date: 1/29/2012 at 14:20:56

August 24, 1937 - Humboldt Independent - Ben Molander, eighty-two, who came to Humboldt fifty years ago, died at his home here Saturday afternoon, August 21, at 4:10 p.m. He had been an invalid since he was struck by a gravel truck west ot Wilhite's, on the cemetery road, last September. Funeral services will be at 1:30 p.m. Tuesday, August 24, at the home and at two p.m. in the fifth avenue Baptist church. The Rev. Peterson will officiate. The local Odd Fellows will have charge at the cemetery. Skaugstarls funeral home is in charge of the arrangements.

Mr. Molander was born November 15, 1854, at Karlsham, Sweden. His family name was Larson, and he changed his name to Molander when he came to the United States. He came directly to Humboldt, with his first wife, who was Ricka
Marie Kelso, and a son, Fred, who now lives in Los Angeles. The first marriage was performed in Norway, and Mrs. Molander died forty-two years ago.

The family visited with Mr. Molander's sister, Mrs. Axel Anderson, who still lives near Humboldt. They then moved to near Manson, and lived there ten years. Mr. Molander operated a small farm which he purchased, and did some carpentry work. Forty years ago he wed Minnie Fredrickson of Humboldt, and came here to live with Fred, and Carl and Emma, who were born near Manson. Carl now lives at Seattle, Washington and Emma at Humboldt. Leslie and Wallace were born at Humboldt, and still live here. A stepson, Fred, lives at Garner.

Ben Molander built a home in the north part of Humboldt; continued to do carpentry, and for seventeen years was Janitor of the school. He then became sexton of the cemetery, and held that office until the accident last fall. He followed the sea eighteen years while he lived in Norway and Sweden.